PICTURES: Rachael Blackmore glows at Cheltenham with baby bump and meets Queen Camilla

Rachael Blackmore, the celebrated former jockey, made a striking appearance at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival this week, her first public outing since revealing she is expecting her first child.

The 36‑year‑old, who retired from professional racing last year, attended the meeting as a spectator rather than a competitor, sharing images of herself at the festival on social media that showed a prominent baby bump. 

Among those she met on the day was Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. 

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Blackmore announced her pregnancy in February, posting a picture on Instagram of a baby pram in the boot of her Volvo. 

She is expecting her first child with fellow jockey Brian Hayes. The couple married in a low‑key ceremony in West Cork on 5 January after more than a decade together.

A native of Tipperary, Blackmore enjoyed a distinguished career in horse racing. She was the first female jockey to win the Grand National and the first woman to be leading jockey at Cheltenham, retiring with 575 wins to her name.

On announcing her retirement last May, she acknowledged her husband’s support, writing: “Brian Hayes won't enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I'll ever be able to thank him for.”

Hayes, 37, has kept a largely private personal life. He began his professional career in 2011 and has since ridden for notable trainers including Emmet Mullins, the Bowe family, Willie Mullins, James Dullea and Mick Winters.

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